Banks urge customers to update browsers and mobile OS to keep accounts secure. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The banking industry in Malaysia is urging customers to keep their web browsers and mobile operating systems updated to the latest versions as part of an effort to keep their banking accounts safe.
"Devices running on older or unsupported versions are more exposed to threats and may no longer receive important security updates from developers such as Apple, Google and Mozilla," the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) said in a statement today (Dec 22).
The banks said they may introduce additional verification measures, reduce transaction limits and impose other forms of restrictions for customers using outdated or unsupported versions.
"Banks may also proactively block transactions originating from these versions, to protect customers. This added layer of protection helps enhance security for customers, ultimately safeguarding their funds and ensuring their financial peace of mind," the statement added.
According to the banks, developers consider the following browser versions and earlier as insecure: Google Chrome 140, Firefox 141, and Safari 18.5.
The statement further recommended that customers visit browser-update.org to check for and install the latest browser versions. Customers can also do so by clicking 'Settings' or 'Help' on web browsers and check for available updates.
For mobile devices, customers can check for the latest updates by opening the Settings app and navigating to System or Software Update (for Android) or General (for iOS).
Google currently supports Android versions 13 and above, while Apple supports iOS versions 18 and above.
The public can also check the latest supported operating systems by visiting endoflife.date/android and endoflife.date/ios.
The banks also recommended that customers with older devices update to a newer model to receive regular security patches.
"The banking industry remains committed to a safer and more secure banking. During the transition, customers will be provided with guidance outlining browser and mobile OS requirements and timelines," said the banks.
It also reminded customers to activate 'Kill Switch' to prevent potential losses if they suspect that their banking accounts have been impacted by scams.
They are also encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or their respective banks' fraud hotline.
